Run-down tram depot now beating heart of Amsterdam-West

De Hallen, Amsterdam

Where trams once squeaked and jolted into the depot, movie theaters, studios, offices, leatherwork companies, a day-care center, a hotel and an indoor Food Market with a large terrace are now flourishing.

All these functions are housed in the former six halls and the traverse passageway. This last part is now called De Passage; a public route between the streets on both sides of the complex. Form follows function. André van Stigt erected the film theaters and studios in the dark areas, the offices, restaurant and day-care center where it is light, and the parking garage and underground bicycle storage where the foundation repair work had to be done. De Hallen has a BREEAM Excellent sustainability label and is soundproof. The complex therefore does not only form a vitality incentive for the neighborhood, but it also takes the environment into account.